First Aid: Ear Infections

Prevention

To prevent ear infections, after each dive, rinse your ear with either:

Fresh water

This will wash out the salt water. When the salt water dries, it leaves behind salt, which can badly dry out and irritate ears.

Keep a water bottle on hand with a narrow spigot to make it easier, but don’t squirt or force water inside your ear. Just pour it gently in, and only for a brief moment.

Home brew

A 50/50 mix of alcohol and acid (isopropyl alcohol (70%) and normal white vinegar). Just a few drops. The vinegar dissolves salt and kills fungus, and the alcohol dries out the water.

Pre-mix

An over-the counter mix, of alcohol and acid. For example, like Aqua Ear or similar. Don’t use too much at a time. Be aware that many drops are alcohol only, or are 95% alcohol and 5% glycerin to sooth. These are not good enough; the acid (vinegar) is needed.

Before diving

Oil

A bit of oil before you go diving can coat and protect your ear from drying out. Ear shield is one option for over the counter. Some people swear by a drop or two of regular olive oil.

Plugs

Cure

If you already have an ear infection:

Drops

Use a few drops of Soliwax, which is an anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, soothing wonder drug. A mix of Paradichlorobenzene, Benzocaine, Chlorbutol and Turpentine Oil. I keep this in my kit at all times now.

See a doctor

See a doctor. Don’t rely on advice from the internet, go get a professional opinion, ideally from an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.